Wednesday, 23rd April, 2014
Jose Mourinho has hinted that he may field a weakened Chelsea side for their crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Blues, who drew 0-0 with Atletico Madrid in their Champions League semi-final first leg at the Vicente Calderon last night, are currently second in the Premier League table with 75 points from 35 games, five adrift of leaders Liverpool.
With just three league games remaining in the season, Chelsea face an uphill task to win the domestic title.
The Stamford Bridge club instead are focused on their Champions League semi-final second leg game against Atletico Madrid next Wednesday.
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Hence, according to Mourinho, Chelsea wanted to face Liverpool on Saturday, in view of preparing for the return leg.
But as the Merseyside club have turned down their request, Mourinho may field a second-string Chelsea side at Anfield to keep his best players fresh for the crunch contest against Atletico Madrid.
However, the Portuguese tactician was quick to add that he will first speak with “the club” before taking a final call.
“I can't decide by myself, that's a decision where I have to listen to the club”, Mourinho explained to his club’s official site.
“I'm just a piece, the manager and no more than that.
"The fact the match is on Sunday puts the problem not in my hands, but the hands of the people who decide the game should be played on Sunday, not Saturday or Friday.
“We represent English football, we are the only English team in Europe. Spain has four teams and gives them all the conditions to have success.”
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